EP #118: Concrete Petrography Explained

In this episode, Seth Tandett brings back Dr. Jon Belkowitz to unpack a powerful but often misunderstood tool in the concrete world—petrography. From diagnosing floor failures to proactively optimizing mix designs, Dr. Jon explains how petrography gives contractors, suppliers, and engineers a microscopic advantage. Whether you're battling ASR or just curious about those weird white streaks on your concrete, this episode is for you. 


What’s Inside: 
✔️ What petrography actually is—and how it applies to concrete 
✔️ How SEM, NMR, and XRD tools help detect durability issues 
✔️ Real-world case studies from flooring issues to nano silica research 
✔️ Why more contractors should use petrography proactively, not reactively 
✔️ What this type of analysis costs—and when it’s worth every penny 
✔️ Dr. Jon’s shoutouts to the industry’s best petrographers 
✔️ Why it’s getting harder to find great petrographers in the field 


CHAPTERS: 
00:00 – Intro: Why Petrography Matters 
01:30 – Defining Petrography (Latin Roots to FHWA Guidance) 
03:00 – Reactive vs Proactive Applications 
05:00 – Flooring Failures: Moisture, Salts, & Surface Analysis 
07:30 – Microscopes Explained: SEM, Gas Chromatography & More 
10:00 – ASR Gel Under the Scope 
14:00 – How Data Helps Tell the Failure Story 
17:30 – Proactive Use: Aggregates, Cement & Nano Silica 
20:00 – Misconceptions About Petrography 
23:00 – Dr. Jon’s U.S. Army-Funded Nano Silica Study 
30:00 – The High-Tech Tools That Reveal Concrete Behavior 
40:00 – Cost Breakdown: Is It Worth It? 
43:00 – Top Petrographers You Should Know 
45:00 – Final Thoughts: Use Petrography When It Matters Most 


LISTEN NOW – Every concrete contractor needs to hear this one! 


‍ Guest: Dr. Jon Belkowitz
Company: Intelligent Concrete
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.intelligent-concrete.com 


============================= 


Take Your Knowledge Further – Join Concrete Logic Academy! 


Gain exclusive access to expert video courses, live Q&A, and cutting-edge industry insights. Earn Professional Development Hours (PDHs) and elevate your expertise! 


  Learn More: https://www.concretelogicacademy.com 


Support the Podcast – Be Part of the Concrete Revolution! 


Donate: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com 


Become a producer & get recognized on our next episode! 


============================= 


Recommended Resources: 


ASTM C856: Guide for Petrographic Examination of Hardened Concrete 


NIST Petrography Resources: https://www.nist.gov 


Learn about ASR: https://www.blurb.com/b/8143619-the-abcs-of-asr 


 Top Petrographers Mentioned: Hugh Ho (WJE), Paul Stutzman (NIST), David Rothstein, Brian Wolf (SGS TEC) 


Producer: Jodi Tandett 


  Music by: Mike Dunton 
Instagram: @Mike_Dunton 


Stay Connected & Watch More! 


Host: Seth Tandett
  Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-tandett/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcast
Podcast Website: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com 


LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & SHARE for more expert concrete insights!